Sound absorbing rebounding device

ABSTRACT

A sound absorbing rebounding device provides a way for a person to practice dribbling a basketball while minimizing sounds and vibrations emanating from the basketball and the device during such practice. The device has a frame, a rebounding surface that mimics or replaces the hard surface on which a user would normally dribble to cause a rebounding effect, and a base to separate or space the rebounding surface from the floor, so that sounds and vibrations during bouncing of the basketball are not transferred to the surface on which the device is resting. The frame shape allows the user to practice dribbling in all different directions around the user&#39;s body placed relative to the user&#39;s legs, such as a T, an H, or the number 8. The device may be collapsible via hinges placed within its frame that allow the device to be collapsed in varying degrees of compactness.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/494,771, filed Apr. 24, 2017, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/382,670, filed Dec. 18, 2016,entitled “SOUND ABSORBING REBOUNDING DEVICE”, each of which areincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sound absorbing rebounding device,and, more particularly, to a sound absorbing rebounding device for usein practicing to dribble a basketball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the integral aspects to the game of basketball is dribbling. Inorder to reach one's potential as a basketball player, he/she mustbecome proficient in dribbling the basketball. However, the averagebasketball player is faced with many difficulties in finding a properlocation at which to hone the skill of dribbling. Among the obstaclesthat may arise in the process of training are poor weather conditionsand limited or no access to a gym or other location where dribblingwould not cause a disturbance.

Therefore, it is desirable to be able to practice dribbling a basketballin one's own home/apartment. However, there are limited devices in themarket today that provide a quiet solution to dribbling at home, whilegetting the feel of dribbling on a hardwood floor. Due to a lack ofsound vibration reducing techniques on many basketball dribblingtraining devices, such devices must be used outdoors or in a gymnasium,and not at home where use of such devices could disturb nearbyresidents. Accordingly, the main problem with current dribblingapparatuses is that they are not sound reduced, vibration proof, anddesigned to be used in one's home or apartment.

It is desirable to provide a sound absorbing rebounding device thataddresses the above-identified problems and provides a way for a personto practice dribbling a basketball in a home or apartment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a sound absorbing rebounding device that provides a way for aperson to practice dribbling a basketball in a home/apartment whileminimizing sounds and vibrations emanating from the basketball and thedevice during such practice.

In certain embodiments, the sound absorbing rebounding device has arebounding surface that mimics or replaces the hard surface on which auser would normally dribble to cause a rebounding effect, wherein suchrebounding surface provides the same or similar rebounding effect aswould be provided by the hard surface. In some embodiments, therebounding surface may be an elastic surface that provides an evengreater rebounding effect than would be provided by a hard surface, inorder to provide the user with enhanced rebounding and better practiceat dribbling. In some embodiments, the rebounding surface may provide alesser rebounding effect than would be provided by a hard surface, inorder to provide the user with worse rebounding so as to improve theuser's skill at dribbling.

In certain embodiments, the sound absorbing rebounding device has aframe and a base, such as a plurality of legs, that provides aseparation or spacing of the rebounding surface from the floor, so thatsounds and vibrations emanating from the basketball and the reboundingdevice during such bouncing of the basketball are not transferred to thefloor or other surface on which the device is resting. In someembodiments, the base provides damping or cushioning to absorbvibrations emanating from the rebounding device during bouncing of thebasketball. In some embodiments, the base does not interfere with therebounding effect of the surface. In certain embodiments, the base has afriction surface to prevent the base from sliding on the supportingsurface when the ball is bounced on the rebounding surface.

In certain embodiments, a sound absorbing rebounding device is providedcomprising a frame enclosing a dribbling area; a base attached to theframe and configured to space the frame from a supporting surface onwhich the device rests; and a rebounding surface attached to the frameand extending across the dribbling area, wherein the rebounding surfaceis made from a material which allows a ball, when bounced thereon, torebound with a reduced amount of noise as compared to when the ball isbounced on an average hardwood floor.

In certain embodiments, the frame of the sound absorbing reboundingdevice has a shape that allows the user to practice dribbling in alldifferent directions around the user's body when the device is placedrelative to the user's legs. In certain embodiments, a portion of theframe is configured to be placed between a user's legs and a portion ofthe frame is configured to be placed in front of and/or behind theuser's legs. In various embodiments, such a device can have a shape likethe letter T, the letter H, a closed letter H (similar to the letter B)or the number 8.

In certain embodiments, the sound absorbing rebounding device iscollapsible and has hinges placed within its frame to allow the frame tobe folded along those hinges. These hinges allow the sound absorbingrebounding device to be collapsed in varying degrees of compactness,depending upon where the hinges are situated within the frame of thesound absorbing rebounding device.

In certain embodiments, the rebounding surface may be configured toprovide the ball bounced thereon with an equal returning energy ascompared with the ball bounced on an average hardwood floor, a greaterreturning energy as compared with the ball bounced on an averagehardwood floor, or a lower returning energy as compared with the ballbounced on an average hardwood floor.

In certain embodiments, the rebounding surface may comprise a pluralityof interlocking elastic cords or an elastic fabric, such as a singlepiece of material or a composite material. The frame may have aplurality of hooks attached thereto, and the rebounding surface may havea plurality of loops attached to a periphery thereof, such that therebounding surface can be attached to the frame by attaching theplurality of loops to the plurality of hooks. The plurality of loops maybe formed from an elastic material.

In certain embodiments, the device has a plurality of hinges within itsframe, wherein the frame is configured to be folded by way of thehinges. In some embodiments, the frame has a T shape, and the hinges aresituated in the frame above the elongated horizontal section and belowthe short vertical section to allow the frame to be folded in half. Insome embodiments, the frame has an H shape, the hinges are situated atcorners of the frame between the two elongated horizontal sections andthe short vertical section to allow the frame to be folded in thirds. Insome embodiments, the frame has a T shape, and two of said hinges aresituated in the frame above the elongated horizontal section and otherof said hinges are situated at corners between the elongated horizontalsection and the short vertical section, to allow the frame to be foldedinto a square.

In certain embodiments, the device's base comprises a plurality of legs.The legs may be configured to be moved from a deployed configuration toa folded configuration in which they are substantially flat against orwithin the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention, as well as the invention itself, is more fully understoodfrom the following description of various embodiments, when readtogether with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sound absorbing rebounding device,according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a top view of a sound absorbing rebounding surface, accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of a sound absorbing rebounding device,according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a bottom view of a collapsible sound absorbing reboundingdevice in an uncollapsed state, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a collapsible sound absorbingrebounding device in an uncollapsed state, according to one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a collapsible sound absorbingrebounding device in a collapsed state with an unfolded stand, accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of a collapsible sound absorbingrebounding device in a collapsed state with a folded stand, according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a collapsiblesound absorbing rebounding device in an uncollapsed state, according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5A-C are perspective views of the frame of another embodiment ofthe collapsible sound absorbing rebounding device in successivelycollapsed states; and

FIGS. 6A-E are perspective views of the frame of another embodiment ofthe collapsible sound absorbing rebounding device in successivelycollapsed states.

It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements for clarity. Further, where consideredappropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures toindicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, various aspects of the present inventionare described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations anddetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled inthe art that the present invention may be practiced without the specificdetails presented herein. Furthermore, well known features may beomitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.

Reference is made to FIG. 1, which are various views of a soundabsorbing rebounding device 100, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sound absorbing rebounding device 100 may have aframe 101, a rebounding surface 103, and a base 105. In certainembodiments, frame 101 forms a periphery around a dribbling area ontowhich the user bounces the basketball, and rebounding surface 103extends across the dribbling area within the periphery. Frame 101 mayinclude a plurality of straight struts 107 connected to a plurality ofL-shaped corner pieces 109. In some embodiments of the invention, frame101 is formed from one piece. Rebounding surface 103 may be directly orindirectly attached to frame 101, such as at an inside surface 102thereof. In certain embodiments, base 105 may be attached to frame 101at a bottom surface 104 thereof in order to space rebounding surface 103away from a supporting surface on which device 100 rests.

In some embodiments of the invention, frame 101 may be formed from anyhard material, such as plastic or metal, such as steel, iron, aluminum,etc. In some embodiments, frame 101 may be made out of Aluminum alloy.In some embodiments, straight struts 107 may be made out of Aluminum1345 alloy, and L-shaped corner pieces 109 may be made out of Aluminum2024 alloy.

In certain embodiments, the dribbling area onto which the basketball isbounced, as bound by frame 101, has a shape that allows the user topractice dribbling in all different directions around the user's bodywhen the device 100 is placed relative to the user's legs. In variousembodiments, device 100 can have various configurations, such as withoutlimitation a shape like the letter T, the letter H, or a closed letter H(similar to the letter B or the number 8).

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, frame 101 may have a T-shape,i.e., with one elongated, straight portion and a shorter, straightportion oriented perpendicularly to the first portion. In this T-shapedembodiment of device 100, frame 101 may have 8 sides. In someembodiments, frame 101 has seven sides of approximately equal length(i.e., the two sides of the horizontal of the T-shape, the twoundersides of the horizontal of the T-shape, the two sides of thevertical of the T-shape, and the one underside of the vertical of theT-shape), and one side that is longer than the rest (i.e., the upperside of the horizontal of the T-shape). In some embodiments, the sevensides are each about 20 in/cm long, and the one longer side is about60-70 in/cm long.

Using the embodiment of device 100 wherein frame 101 has a T-shape, asshown in FIG. 1, the user could straddle his legs on either side of thesmaller straight portion, with the elongated straight portion either infront of him or behind him, depending on whether the user wanted topractice dribbling in front of him or behind him, respectively, as wellas between his legs. As discussed hereinbelow, frame 101 may have shapesother than a T.

Sound absorbing rebounding device 100 has a rebounding surface 103 thatis intended to mimic or replace a hard surface on which a user wouldnormally dribble, such as a hardwood floor, so as to cause a reboundingeffect that is the same as, or is substantially similar to, that whichwould be provided by the hard surface. However, rebounding surface 103is made from a material which allows the ball, when bounced thereon, torebound with a reduced amount of noise as compared to when the ball isbounced on an average hardwood floor.

In some embodiments of the invention, as shown best in FIG. 1,rebounding surface 103 may be made of a plurality of interlocking cords.The interlocking cords may be made out of a material that allows thebasketball to bounce but makes a reduced amount of noise. Withoutlimitation, such material can be fibers or strands made from a fabricsuch as cotton, elastic material such as rubber, synthetic material suchas polyester or nylon, or bungee or shock cords, which are made of oneor more strands of an elastic material, usually rubber, bound togetherby a fabric covering that is abrasion resistant, such as nylon,polypropylene and polyethylene. In some embodiments, the cords may havea diameter of ¼″ or ⅛″, or in a range of from approximately ¼″ toapproximately ⅛″ or 1/16″.

The attachment of rebounding surface 103 to frame 101 may be done by anymeans known in the art. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, reboundingsurface 103 may be attached to frame 101 by attaching the one or aplurality of cords to the frame 101 itself, e.g., by passages in theframe. In one embodiment, rebounding surface 103 is formed of oneinterlocking cord that is at one end thereof fixed into frame 101,threaded from top to bottom along frame 101, from one end of the frame101 to the other end of frame 101, and then threaded from side to sidealong frame 101, from the top of frame 101 to bottom of frame 101 (orfrom the bottom of frame 101 to the top of frame 101), each time passingthrough an aperture in frame 101 on its way into frame 101 and passingthrough an aperture in frame 101 on its way out of frame 101, andfinally at the other end thereof fixed into frame 101.

In another embodiment, two such cords can be so interlocked, forexample, with one cord being threaded from top to bottom along frame101, and another cord being threaded from side to side along frame 101.In yet another embodiment, more than two such cords can be sointerlocked, for example, with more than one cord being threaded fromtop to bottom along frame 101, and more than one cord being threadedfrom side to side along frame 101. The more times that the cord or cordsare threaded in and out of frame 101 and interlocked top/bottom andside/side, the more uniformity can be created over the reboundingsurface 103 within the dribbling area.

In some embodiments, as a result of the elasticity of the plurality ofcords, the basketball's returning energy can be substantially equal tothat off an average hardwood floor. In some embodiments, the number,tension and elasticity of the plurality of cords can be set such thatrebounding surface 103 may provide a rebounding effect substantiallysimilar to than would be provided by a hard surface

In some embodiments, the number, tension and elasticity of the pluralityof cords can be set such that rebounding surface 103 may provide an evengreater rebounding effect than would be provided by a hard surface, inorder to provide the user with enhanced rebounding so as to make theuser more aware of a bouncier ball, thereby improving the user's skillat dribbling. In these embodiments, as a result of the elasticity ofrebounding surface 103, the basketball's returning energy can be greaterthan off the average hardwood floor.

In some embodiments, the number, tension and elasticity of the pluralityof cords can be set such that rebounding surface 103 may provide alesser rebounding effect than would be provided by a hard surface, inorder to provide the user with worse rebounding so as to make the userwork harder to make the ball rebound, thereby improving the user's skillat dribbling. In these embodiments, as a result of the elasticity of therebounding surface 103, the basketball's returning energy can be lessthan off the average hardwood floor.

Once rebounding surface 103 is attached to frame 101, rebounding surface103 will be spaced or distanced from the ground or support surface. Incertain embodiments, base 105 of device 100 provides a separation orspacing of the rebounding surface 103 from the supporting surface onwhich device 100 rests, so that sounds and vibrations emanating from thebasketball and device 100 during bouncing of the basketball are nottransferred to the supporting surface. In some embodiments, the baseprovides damping for vibrations emanating from the rebounding deviceduring bouncing of the basketball.

In certain embodiments, base 105 of device 100 may comprise two or morelegs. As shown in FIG. 1, base 105 may comprise a plurality of blocks105 that, in addition to being attached to frame 101, are appropriatelyspaced about the periphery of frame 101. These blocks 105 include one ormore layers of a cushioning material that acts as a shock absorber toneutralize excessive energy and absorb vibration. The cushioningmaterial may be any high density foam or padding as may be known in theart.

Blocks 105 may be stacked one upon another about the periphery of frame101 so as to allow adjustment of the height of the dribbling area fromthe supporting surface or floor as desired by the user. One or more ofblocks 105 may also have a bottom surface that is provided withadditional or a higher degree of friction, so as to avoid slippage ofdevice 100 relative to the supporting surface during use. In preferredembodiments, base 105 does not interfere with the rebounding effect ofthe rebounding surface 103.

In certain embodiments, rebounding surface 103 may be approximately4″-10″ off the ground or support surface. In other preferredembodiments, rebounding surface 103 may be approximately 1″-8″, 2-7, andstill more preferably 3″-6″, off the ground or support surface. Thedistance of rebounding surface 103 off the ground or support surface canbe adjusted by the user to provide the desired dribbling experience andto provide sufficient clearance underneath rebounding surface 103 sothat rebounding surface 103 does not contact the ground or supportsurface during use.

In another embodiment of the device 100, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B,the rebounding surface 215 may be made from a single piece of materialthat is attached to frame 201. The rebounding surface 215 may be madeout of a material that allows the basketball to bounce but makes areduced amount of noise, such as a tough, lightweight, elastic syntheticpolymer. Without limitation, the material of rebounding surface 215 maycomprise one or more of the fabrics discussed above, may be an elasticfabric, and may comprise an elastic or elasticized fabric coating,wherein the fabric returns to its initial shape and size when thebouncing forces are removed. Various types of elastic materials areincluded, such as elastic polyurethane fiber or fabric, commonly knownas spandex, Lycra, Lycra spandex or Elastane; polyamides; nylon orstretch vinyl; a visco-elastic polymer known as Sorbothane® a cottonmesh fabric, a mesh polyester cotton fabric, or a polyester cotton meshfabric. In some embodiments, the material of rebounding surface 215 maybe formed with a mesh, and as such has a plurality of holes 206 formedtherethrough, which holes 206 may have a variety of shapes, such ashexagon, diamond and circle. In some embodiments, rebounding surface 215may also be made to appear like a hardwood floor, with a coating orcolored design that provides a wood-like appearance.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the single piece of material mayhave a border 202 that is sewn to the periphery of the sheet of materialand to which a plurality of loops 213 may be affixed, which loops may bemade from an elastic material, such as described above. In someembodiments, the loops may have a diameter of ¼″ or ⅛″, or in a range offrom approximately ¼″ to approximately ⅛″. In some embodiments, border202 and loops 213 may be made from a more resilient material than thatof the material of which the rebounding surface 215 is made.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 2B, some embodiments of the soundabsorbing rebounding device 200 may have a frame 201 with a plurality ofhooks 211 attached to frame 201 at the inside surface 209 thereof. Insome embodiments of the invention, the plurality of hooks 211 are madeout of a hard material, such as metal or plastic, such as ethylenepropylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. Hooks 211 may be attached toframe 201 through any known means, such as glue, soldering or welding.Rebounding surface 215 may be attached to the frame 201 by attaching theplurality of loops 213 to the frame 201 itself, e.g., by passages in theframe, or to the frame 201 via the plurality of hooks 211. In preferredembodiments, the number of loops 213 and hooks 211 are substantiallyidentical.

In some embodiments, loops 213 may be made of an elastic material. Insome embodiments, loops 213 are 4″ loops, and are made for example of ¼″rubber or bungee cord material.

The tension at which rebounding surface 103 or 215 is attached to frame101 or 201 may vary along the periphery of frame 101, 201. For example,the tension in loops 213 may be measured around the periphery of frame201. In one embodiment, the tension ranges from about 4 lbs. to about 11lbs., preferably about 5-8 lbs.

The amount that rebounding surface 103 or 215 flexes relative to frame101 or 201 depends upon how rebounding surface 103 or 215 is attached toframe 101 or 201 and the tension with which it is attached. For example,if there are fewer hooks 211 and loops 213, or if loops 213 are longeror have greater elasticity, or if the tension in such loops is lower,then rebounding surface 215 may tend to flex more and provide less of abounce to the basketball. Conversely, how rebounding surface 103 or 215is attached to frame 101 or 201 and the tension with which it isattached will determine the amount that rebounding surface 103 or 215flexes relative to frame 101 or 201 and the amount of bounce thatrebounding surface 103 or 215 provides. Thus, if there are more hooks211 and loops 213, or if loops 213 are shorter or have less elasticity,or if the tension in such loops is higher, then rebounding surface 215may tend to be tighter and flex less and may tend to provide more of arebound to a ball bounced thereon.

Device 200 also has a plurality of legs or stands 205 that are attachedto frame 201 at the outer corners of frame 201 to support frame 201 andto space it from the support surface on which device 200 rests when inuse. Legs or stands 205 can have any configuration that is known in theart, such as blocks, posts, triangular, U-shaped, etc. In the embodimentshown on FIG. 2B, stands 205 are oriented at a 45° angle with respect tothe corners of frame 201, although other angles are possible. In FIG.2B, six (6) stands 205 are shown, but more or fewer stands 205 may beused as necessary.

In certain embodiments, stands 205 may be provided with one or morelayers of a cushioning material that act as a shock absorber toneutralize excessive energy and to absorb vibration from device 200 andprevent it from passing onto the support surface on which device 200rests when in use. The cushioning material may be any high density foamor padding as may be known in the art, such as poly-fill (polyesterfiberfill). One or more of stands 205 may also have a bottom surfacethat is provided with additional or a higher degree of friction, so asto avoid slippage of device 200 relative to the supporting surfaceduring use.

The plurality of stands 205 can be made from the same or differentmaterial that frame 301 is made, such as metal, e.g., steel, iron,aluminum or Aluminum alloy, such as Aluminum alloy 5052 H34.

FIGS. 3A-D show various views of a collapsible sound absorbingrebounding device 300, according to an embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-D, the sound absorbing rebounding device 300 mayhave a collapsible frame 301, a rebounding surface 303, and a pluralityof legs or stands 305. As viewed in FIG. 3A, which is a bottom view of acollapsible sound absorbing rebounding device 300 in an uncollapsedstate, collapsible frame 301 may have a plurality of hooks 309 attachedto an inside surface 311 of the collapsible frame 301, which attachmentto frame 301 may be through any known means, such as glue, soldering orwelding. Rebounding surface 303 may have a plurality of loops 320 aboutits periphery by which rebounding surface 303 may be attached to hooks309 of collapsible frame 301.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-D, frame 301 has a T-shape, similar tothat of frame 201 in FIG. 2B. However, while frame 301 is similar inshape to the noncollapsible frame 201 in FIG. 2B, frame 301 has afolding structure that allows frame 301 to be collapsed or folded. Insome embodiments of the invention, hinges 307 are situated at variouslocations along frame 301 to allow it to be collapsed or folded alongone or more straight lines in various ways.

For example, frame 301 is collapsible and may be folded from the open,uncollapsed configuration shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B to the collapsedconfiguration shown in FIG. 3C. In this embodiment, one of hinges 307(hinge 307 a) is located at a first midpoint 313 of a first section 317of the collapsible frame 301, i.e., within the top frame segment of theelongated horizontal portion of the T-shape, and the other of hinges 307(hinge 307 b) is located at a second midpoint 315 of a second section319 of the collapsible frame 301, i.e., within the bottom frame segmentof the smaller, perpendicular portion of the T-shape. In someembodiments, one or more of hinges 307 are made from 1023 carbon steelor AISI '4340 Steel.

The embodiment of the collapsible sound absorbing rebounding device 300shown in FIG. 3A has a folding axis 321, which crosses both the firstmidpoint 313 and second midpoint 315. As shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, insome embodiments of the invention, collapsible sound absorbingrebounding device 300 can fold upon itself along the axis 321 via hinges307. When device 300 is folded along folding axis 321, reboundingsurface 303 is also folded along folding axis 321.

In certain embodiments, such as when frame 301 is collapsible and may befolded from the open, uncollapsed configuration to the collapsedconfiguration, the legs or stands 305 may also be collapsible. In FIG.3C, the perspective view of the collapsible sound absorbing reboundingdevice 300 in a collapsed state, stands 305 are shown protruding outwardin an unfolded state, as they were when they were deployed for use, asin FIG. 3B. As shown in FIG. 3D, stands 305 are attached to, and may befolded against, rebounding surface 303 via hinges (not identified) froman unfolded state (FIG. 3C) to a folded state (FIG. 3D). In theembodiment shown, stands 305 have a triangular shape and are oriented at45° relative to the frame 301, although other configurations andorientations are contemplated. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3D,stands 305 fold inward towards the center of rebounding surface 303. Inanother embodiment (not shown), stands 305 may fold outward towards thecorners of frame 301.

When used, device 100, 200, 300 may be placed in its open, unfoldedconfiguration on the floor or other support surface, with base 105 orstands 305 open and extended downward. When device 100 has a T-shape,the user straddles his legs on either side of the smaller straightportion, with the elongated straight portion either in front of him orbehind him, depending on whether the user wants to practice dribbling infront of him or behind him, respectively, as well as between his legs.Once folded along folding axis 321 into its collapsed state, and stands305 are folded against frame 301, device 300 can be carried or stored ina more compact configuration than in its uncollapsed, deployed state.

In another embodiment of the sound absorbing rebounding device, as shownin FIG. 4, frame 401 may have an H-shape, i.e., with two elongatedvertical side portions and a smaller, horizontal middle portion orientedperpendicularly to the two elongated straight portions at about amidpoint of each. Using such an embodiment, when device 100 has anH-shape, the user could straddle his legs on either side of the smallermiddle portion, with the elongated portions in front of him and behindhim, so that the user can practice dribbling in front of him and behindhim, respectively, as well as between his legs.

Rebounding device 400 shown in FIG. 4 is similar to rebounding device301 shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, except that it has an H-shape instead of aT-shape as in FIGS. 3A-3D. Frame 401 has a collapsible, foldingstructure that allow frame 401 to be collapsed or folded. In someembodiments of the invention, as shown in FIG. 4, hinges 407 a and 407 bare situated at locations along frame 401 to allow it to be collapsed orfolded in half along a straight line. For example, frame 401 iscollapsible and may be folded from the open, uncollapsed configurationshown in FIG. 4 to a collapsed configuration (not shown but similar tothat shown in FIG. 3C). In this embodiment, one of the hinges (hinge 407a) is located at a midpoint of a first section of the collapsible frame401, i.e., within the side frame segment of a first elongated verticalportion of the H-shape, and another of the hinges (hinge 407 b) islocated at a midpoint of a second section of the collapsible frame 401,i.e., within the side frame segment of a second elongated verticalportion of the H-shape.

In the embodiment of the collapsible sound absorbing rebounding device400 shown in FIG. 4, frame 401 has a folding axis 421 that crosses themidpoints of the side frame segments of the elongated vertical portionsof the H-shape, such that collapsible sound absorbing rebounding device400 can fold upon itself along axis 421 via hinges 407 a and 407 b. Whenframe 401 is folded along folding axis 421, rebounding surface 403 isalso folded along folding axis 421, and device 400 is folded in half.Stands 405 may be folded against frame 401, for example in a mannersimilar to the collapsing of stands 305 against frame 301, as discussedabove with regard to FIGS. 3C and 3D.

FIGS. 5A-5C show another embodiment of the H-shaped collapsible soundabsorbing rebounding device, but with a different placement of hingesand a different folding method. In FIGS. 5A-5C, device 500 is shownwithout a rebounding surface attached to frame 501 in order to betterillustrate the folding of frame 501. As opposed to the H-shapedcollapsible sound absorbing rebounding device 400 shown in FIG. 4, whichhas two hinges 407 such that device 400 folded into two halves, theH-shaped collapsible sound absorbing rebounding device 500 shown in FIG.5A has four hinges 517 a, 517 b, 527 a and 527 b, each placed at ajuncture within frame 501 between the two elongated vertical sideportions and the smaller, horizontal middle portion orientedperpendicularly to the two elongated straight portions, such that device500 is able to be folded into thirds.

In the embodiment of the collapsible sound absorbing rebounding device500 shown in FIG. 5A, frame 501 has two folding axes—a first axis 521 athat is coincident with or parallel to the inside frame elements of theleft elongated vertical side portion, and a second axis 521 b that iscoincident with or parallel to the inside frame elements of the rightelongated vertical side portion, such that collapsible sound absorbingrebounding device 500 can fold upon itself along these two axes viahinges 517 a and 517 b, and hinges 527 a and 527 b, respectively. Whenframe 501 is folded along these folding axes, rebounding surface 503 isalso folded along these folding axes, and device 501 is folded inthirds.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the left elongated vertical sideportion may be folded along axis 521 a under (or over) the smaller,horizontal middle portion via hinges 517 a and 517 b. Then, as shown inFIGS. 5B-5C, the right elongated vertical side portion may be foldedalong axis 521 b over (or under) the smaller, horizontal middle portionvia hinges 527 a and 527 b.

As discussed previously, when frame 501 is collapsible and may be foldedfrom the open, uncollapsed configuration to the collapsed configuration,its legs or stands 505 may also be collapsible. Stands 505 are shown inFIG. 5A protruding outward in an unfolded state as deployed for use, andstands 505 are shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C still protruding outward, eventhough frame 501 is shown in a partially collapsed configuration in FIG.5B and in a fully collapsed configuration in FIG. 5C. FIG. 5C showsstands 505 nested against each other when the left and right elongatedvertical side portions are folded under (or over) the smaller,horizontal middle portion. However, stands 505 may also be attached toand folded against frame 501 via hinges (not identified), for example ina manner as described above, so that frame 501 may be placed in a morecompact configuration when collapsed.

Once frame 501 of device 500 has been folded along folding axes 521 aand 521 b into its collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 5C, device 500 canbe carried or stored in a more compact configuration than in itsuncollapsed, deployed state, as shown in FIG. 5A. In addition, thecollapsed configuration of device 500 as shown in FIG. 5C is even morecompact than the collapsed configuration of device 300 shown in FIGS. 3Cand 3D, and more compact than the collapsed configuration of device 400shown in FIG. 4 would collapse into.

FIGS. 6A-6E show another embodiment of the collapsible sound absorbingrebounding device, this one having a T-shape as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,but with a different placement of hinges and a different folding methodthan shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In FIG. 6A, the placement of hinges andmethod folding are more similar to those as shown in FIGS. 5A-C. Namely,as opposed to the T-shaped collapsible sound absorbing rebounding device300 shown in FIGS. 3A-D, which has two hinges 307 a and 307 b such thatdevice 300 folds into two halves, the T-shaped collapsible soundabsorbing rebounding device 600 shown in FIG. 6A has four hinges 617 a,617 b, 627 a and 627 b, each placed at a juncture within frame 601 toallow frame 601 to fold into a most compact state.

In the embodiment of the collapsible sound absorbing rebounding device600 shown in FIG. 6A, frame 601 has three folding axes—a first axis 621a that is coincident with or parallel to the left frame element of theshort vertical portion (the bottom of the T shape), a second axis 621 bthat is coincident with or parallel to the right frame element of theshort vertical portion (the bottom of the T shape), and a third axis 621c that is coincident with or parallel to the lower frame elements of theelongated horizontal portion (the top of the T shape), such thatcollapsible sound absorbing rebounding device 600 can fold upon itselfalong these three axes via hinges 617 a and 617 b, hinges 627 a and 627b, and hinges 617 b and 627 b, respectively, as described below. Whenframe 601 is folded along these folding axes, the rebounding surface(not shown) is also folded along these folding axes, and frame 601 ofdevice 600 is folded into a square.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the short vertical portion (thebottom of the T shape) may be folded along axis 621 c under (or over)the elongated horizontal top portion of the T shape via hinges 617 b and627 b. Next, as shown in FIGS. 6B-6C, the left portion of the elongatedhorizontal top portion (the top of the T shape) may be folded along axis621 a under (or over) the smaller, middle portion of the elongatedhorizontal top portion via hinges 617 a and 617 b. Then, as shown inFIGS. 6C-6D, the right portion of the elongated horizontal top portion(the top of the T shape) may be folded along axis 621 b over (or under)the smaller, middle portion of the elongated horizontal top portion viahinges 627 a and 627 b. These folds may be made in any other order asdesired and not necessarily in the order described.

As discussed previously, when frame 601 is collapsible and may be foldedfrom the open, uncollapsed configuration to the collapsed configuration,its legs or stands 605 may also be collapsible. Stands 605 are shown inFIG. 6A protruding outward in an unfolded state as deployed for use, andstands 605 are shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D protruding inward in a collapsedconfiguration when frame 601 is shown in a partially collapsedconfiguration in FIG. 6C and in a fully collapsed configuration in FIG.6D. Stands 605 may also be attached to and folded against frame 601 viahinges (not identified), for example in a manner as described above, sothat frame 601 may be placed in a more compact configuration whencollapsed. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, however, stands 605 may be formed asprotruding supports that rotate on a cross bar that is affixed to frame601, and may rotate from an unfolded state as deployed for use, as shownin FIG. 6A, and a folded state in a collapsed configuration, as shown inFIGS. 6C and 6D. In certain embodiments, stands 601 may be rotated to acollapsed configuration in which they are substantially against orwithin the frame 601. In certain embodiments, the cross bar is affixedto frame 601 at a 45° angle, although other angles are possible.

In FIGS. 6A-6D, device 600 is shown without a rebounding surfaceattached to frame 601 in order to better illustrate the folding of frame601. FIG. 6E shows the same fully collapsed or folded configuration asin FIG. 6D, but with rebounding surface 603 attached to frame 607.

Once frame 601 of device 600 has been folded along folding axes 621 a,621 b and 621 c into its collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 6D/6E, device600 can be carried or stored in an even more compact configuration thanin its uncollapsed, deployed state, as shown in FIG. 6A. In addition,the collapsed configuration of device 600 as shown in FIGS. 6D/6E iseven more compact than the collapsed configuration shown of device 300in FIGS. 3C/3D, more compact than the collapsed configuration of device400 shown in FIG. 4 would collapse into, and still more compact than thecollapsed configuration of device 500 shown in FIG. 5C.

It should be noted that, as shown best in FIGS. 6A-6D, frame 601 hasspecially designed hinges 617 b and 627 b at the junctures between theleft and right lower frame elements of the elongated horizontal portion(the top of the T shape) and the left and right frame elements of theshort vertical portion (the bottom of the T shape), respectively. Inpreferred embodiments, hinges 617 b and 627 b permit a rotation about ahorizontal axis and also permit a rotation about a vertical axis.Specifically, hinges 617 b and 627 b allow the short vertical portion(the bottom of the T shape) to be folded under (or over) the elongatedhorizontal top portion of the T shape about horizontal axis 621 c (FIG.6B), while also allowing the left and right portions of the elongatedhorizontal top portion (the top of the T shape) to be folded under (orover) the smaller, middle portion of the elongated horizontal topportion about vertical axes 621 a and 621 b, respectively (FIGS. 6C and6D).

In addition, in preferred embodiments, hinges 617 b and 627 b also allowthe portions of frame 601 being rotated to, after their rotation, bedisplaced around other portions of frame 601. In such an embodiment, therotated portions are extended via hinges 617 b and 627 b to allow themto be swung around a portion of frame 601 that would otherwise preventthe rotated portion of frame 601 to rest flat. Specifically, once theshort vertical portion (the bottom of the T shape) has been folded under(or over) the elongated horizontal top portion of the T shape (FIG. 6B),the left or right portion of the elongated horizontal top portion (thetop of the T shape) may then folded under (or over) the smaller, middleportion of the elongated horizontal top portion in a way that the shortvertical portion (the bottom of the T shape) that has already beenfolded under (or over) the elongated horizontal top portion of the Tshape does not interfere. Even further, the second of the left or rightportion of the elongated horizontal top portion (the top of the T shape)that hasn't yet been folded may then folded under (or over) the smaller,middle portion of the elongated horizontal top portion in a way thatthis folding motion is not interfered with neither by the short verticalportion (the bottom of the T shape) that has already been folded under(or over) the elongated horizontal top portion of the T shape nor by thefirst of the left or right portion of the elongated horizontal topportion (the top of the T shape) that has already been folded under (orover) the smaller, middle portion of the elongated horizontal topportion.

In another embodiment of the sound absorbing rebounding device (notshown), the frame may have a shape of a closed letter H (similar to theletter B or the number 8), i.e., with two elongated straight sideportions and three smaller straight middle portions orientedperpendicularly to the two elongated straight portions, one at about amidpoint of each and the other two smaller portions on the two ends.Using such an embodiment, when the device has the shape of a closedletter H (similar to the letter B or the number 8), the user couldstraddle his legs on either side of the middle portion, with theelongated side portions in front of him and behind him, and with theother smaller portions on the outsides of his legs, so that the user canpractice dribbling in front of him, behind him, between his legs, andaround his legs. The ball is then bounced on the rebounding surface asneeded. Such an embodiment can be collapsed by any of the meansdescribed hereinabove

Thus, a sound absorbing rebounding device for use in practicing todribble a basketball has been provided. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than thedescribed embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustrationand not limitation. In addition, different embodiments are disclosedherein, and features of certain embodiments may be combined withfeatures of other embodiments, such that certain embodiments maybecombinations of features of multiple embodiments. Further, sincenumerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilledin the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exactconstruction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, allsuitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in theappended claims.

1. A sound absorbing rebounding device comprising: a frame enclosing adribbling area; a base attached to the frame and configured to space theframe from a supporting surface on which the device rests, wherein theframe is configured such that the dribbling area has a T-shapecomprising a horizontal section and a vertical section, a first end ofwhich is arranged at an approximate midpoint of the horizontal section;and a rebounding surface attached to the frame and extending across thedribbling area, wherein the rebounding surface is made from a materialwhich allows a ball, when bounced thereon, to rebound with a reducedamount of noise as compared to when the ball is bounced on an averagehardwood floor.